5 day forecast
Hundreds protest sexual assault investigation in Steubenville
-
Participants rally today at Jefferson County Courthouse in Steubenville, Ohio, to demand justice for a 16-year-old West Virginia teenager who was the victim of an alleged rape in August.
Share with others:
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- At a noon rally, 800 to 1000 protesters said they wanted justice for a 16-year-old West Virginia teenager who was the victim of an alleged rape in August.
Two teenagers have been charged in the incident; they face trial in February.
The case has attracted national attention because of internet postings, first on the incident involving Steubenville High School football players, and then by those critical of the teenagers involved and of the investigation that followed. There have been claims that the boys got special treatment because they were football players, and also that more than the two boys charged were involved in the incident.
Peaceful demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, waving signs that said "Real Men Don't Rape" and "Your 'Rape Crew' Is Over."
More than a dozen women who described themselves as rape survivors related their own experiences as victims and pleaded for a more extensive investigation. They also commended the young woman -- who was inebriated at a series of parties during which the alleged rapes ocurred -- for pressing charges.
Before the rally, Steubenville City Manager Cathy Davison hosted a news conference to announce a website called www.steubenvillefacts.org. Ms. Davison promised that city officials will update the website as new information becomes available.
First Published January 5, 2013 2:28 pm
